For Youth

We can talk with you about your problems, in private. When adults hurt children and youth it’s wrong; sometimes it is abuse. There are many different kinds of abuse.

There are many things that we can do to help make things better for you, and help to keep you safe.

Hitting, pushing and yelling can all be abuse. Neglecting, refusing to support and not providing appropriate food and shelter can also be abuse. Abusing kids is wrong. It is never your fault.

If you think you’re a victim of abuse or if you think that a friend is being abused, please call us, we can help.

If you are hurt or afraid, we are here to help you.

You can call us anytime day or night, to talk about your problems, or to ask for help. We are here to keep you safe.

Please call us

If you are experiencing serious conflict in your family

If you are being or have been abused or neglected, or you are afraid you will be

If you are aware of another child or youth who may be abused or neglected

If you know or suspect that another child or youth is exposed to domestic violence

If you need help regarding a pregnancy

If, as a parent, you find the stress becoming overwhelming

If your parents abuse drugs or alcohol, and you do not feel safe

If you were kicked out of your house and have nowhere to stay

Even if you don’t need help right now, you can still read this information so you’ll be prepared if you or a friend ever need help in the future.

If you do need help now call us at 905-433-1551. We’re here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Types of abuse

What is child abuse and neglect? Child abuse and neglect includes the following behaviour by an adult caregiver to a child or youth under age 16.

Abuse can happen repeatedly or just once:

Physical and emotional harm

Sexual behaviour or suggestion

Failure to provide proper care

Depriving support, medical care and affection

Exposure to domestic violence

Physical Abuse:

Any physical attack (repeatedly or occurring just once)

Any physical harm caused by lack of care

Emotional Abuse

Constant yelling

Demeaning remarks

Being rejected or ignored

Threats

Verbal attacks

Exposure to domestic violence

Sexual Abuse:

Invitation to sexual touching

Being touched sexually

Exposing genitals

Exposing to pornography

Neglect:

Failing to provide:

Adequate food and shelter

Safety

Medical or phychological treatment

Supervision

Adequate clothing

Signs of abuse

Everyone reacts differently to abuse and neglect. Signs of abuse and neglect can vary greatly from one child to another.

Signs of abuse include:

Several injuries that are in various stages of healing

Fear of adults

Extreme aggression

Extreme withdrawal

Severe depression

Frequent absence from school

Engaged in delinquent acts or alcohol/drug abuse

Sexually explicit drawing or descriptions

Prostitution

Seductive behaviour

What to do

Sometimes abuse goes on for a long time, and kids don’t want to tell because they think they did something wrong. Even if the person hurting you says it’s a game or that you’ll get in trouble if you say anything, you should tell anyway.

You haven’t done anything wrong.

You won’t get in trouble for talking to a professional. If you are worried about yourself or a friend, please talk to someone you trust. You can talk to a teacher or your principal, or you can call us. An adult that you trust can help you. He or she can help you speak with someone at the Children’s Aid Society to talk about your problems and ways to keep you safe. You are important to us.

You can call us anytime– day or night, to talk about your problems, or to ask for help. We are here to keep you safe.